The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has invited a former Deputy Governor of Osun State, Sen. Iyiola Omisore, for interrogation for a N442, 600,000 contract awarded to a firm linked to him by former National Security Adviser (NSA) Sambo Dasuki.
Omisore was a director of the company when the contract was awarded and N370 million paid.
Part of the N370 million was allegedly paid into Omisore’s account.
Based on the recommendation of a Presidential Committee, EFCC was scrutinising records of how the contract was executed, “with nothing to show for it”.
But Omisore asked the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to restrain EFCC from arresting him.
He said there was “imminent danger” that he would be arrested and subjected to inhuman treatment.
Sources close to the investigation said a company, Fimex Gilt Limited, submitted proposals to Dasuki on combating terrorism and, in particular, the illegal influx of terrorists into the country.
The scope of the N442 million proposal was:
- Border protection and Intelligence Services Programme;
- Supply of Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs); and
- Provision of training support for non-conventional counter-terrorism methods.
The Managing Director of Fimex Gilt Ltd, Adetona Famadewa, alleged that the company “established a relationship with the Office of National Security Adviser (ONSA) through a third party, to wit: the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade”.
He said N370 million was paid from the N442 million and the contract was not “renewed due to the change of government”.
Famadewa said N52, 600,000 was outstanding.
But after facing a Contract Review Committee, the company was directed to “refund the payment it received from ONSA”.
The company was among 241 referred to the EFCC for investigation, leading to Omisore’s invitation.
The EFCC is probing how part of the N370 million paid to Fimex Gilt Limited was remitted into Omisore’s account.
The anti-graft agency inviting Omisore for interrogation.
The letter, signed by Abubakar Madaki on behalf of the acting chairman of EFCC, reads: “The commission is investigating an alleged case in which your name featured prominently.
“In view of the above, you are requested to interview the undersigned on Monday, April 11, 2016, at No.30, Harper Crescent, Wuse Zone 7, at 10 am.
“Your cooperation in this regard is solicited.”
Instead of honouring the invitation, said the source, Omisore wrote through a lawyer, Wole Jimi-Bada and Co., that the interview should be rescheduled to April 14.
The counsel said in part: “Your letter dated April 7, 2016, and addressed to our client and delivered to his security at our client’s residence has been passed on to our chambers.
“We regret to inform you that our client travelled briefly out of Abuja but will return by
Wednesday evening accordingly to our instructions. Consequently and unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the interview schedule, as requested in your letter under reference.
Wednesday evening accordingly to our instructions. Consequently and unfortunately, he will not be able to attend the interview schedule, as requested in your letter under reference.
“On his behalf, we humbly request that the interview be rescheduled for April 14, 2016, for him to honour your invitation.
“We regret any inconvenience this request may cause you.”
The commission claimed that rather than coming for interrogation on the appointed date, Omisore approached the High Court to restrain it from performing its statutory functions.
In an affidavit deposed to by Detective Nuru Buhari Dalhatu, dated May 6, 2016, and obtained by our correspondent yesterday, the EFCC asked the court to dismiss Omisore petition.
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